New government support bolsters grad studies

Graduate studies at Memorial University just received a major boost
from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Responding to the
call from Memorial’s administration, its Graduate
Students’ Union and the Canadian Federation of Students, the
provincial government provided $2 million in new baseline funding
for graduate fellowships.

“In pre-budget consultations, we presented a strong and
compelling case to the minister of education and the minister of
finance,” says Dr. Chris Loomis, Memorial’s president
pro tempore. “We illustrated how this support was not only an
investment in students, but also in the future economic
sustainability of the province.

“Graduate studies featured prominently in our presentation
whose overall theme was attracting and keeping the best and
brightest in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

The interest in graduate studies at Memorial continues to grow.
This year has seen a 60 per cent increase in the number of
applications received to the various programs administered by
Memorial’s School of Graduate Studies.

Dr. Loomis credits the hard work of the dean of graduate studies,
Dr. Noreen Golfman, for this growth. “Dr. Golfman has been
very successful in raising the profile of the school and its
programs,” he said. “Memorial is on the radar of
students across this country and around the world. Our excellent
programs, modest tuition fees, exciting research opportunities, our
connection with and relevance to the broader community, and the
quality of life for those who come to study here – all these
factors converge to make Memorial an increasingly attractive option
for grad students.”

The $2 million in new funding was urgently needed. A significant
portion will be used to address immediate needs, some will be used
to cover past expenses and some will be used to attract exceptional
candidates to Memorial.

“I’m working with my vice-presidents and Dr. Golfman on
how to best use this additional funding. We’ll be seeking
input from our student leaders as well,” Dr. Loomis said.

“We will need about $1.2 million to meet our current
obligations. We will be directing about $500,000 towards the
deficit that was necessitated by the unprecedented growth in
graduate studies over the past few years. The remaining $300,000
will be available for attracting outstanding graduate students
throughout the year.”